| CASE STUDIES |
| ADMISSION OF CLASS 58 LOCOMOTIVES ONTO DUTCH RAILWAYS |
| Background |
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| In 2001 Dutch train operator ACTS approached
English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) regarding
the provision of a small number of diesel-electric
locomotives that could be deployed on freight
train services in the Netherlands. In October
2002, an agreement was reached between the parties
for the supply of two existing EWS class 58 (3300hp)
locomotives. |
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| Project Overview |
| ESG was commissioned to project manage the design, modification,
testing and approval of two EWS class 58 locomotives to allow
them to operate in the Netherlands. The first locomotive,
appropriately modified, was delivered to Holland in July 2003
and the second followed in October 2003. |
| In order to achieve this a number of modifications to the
locomotives were necessary to make them suitable for operation
on the Dutch Rail Network. An essential modification was the
installation of the Dutch train safety system known as ATBL-NL.
The integration of ATBL equipment into the locomotives proved
to be one of the biggest challenges as the system requires
a high level of integrity if correct functionality with the
signalling system is to be assured. This necessitated close
control at all stages of the project to ensure this was achieved. |
| Other modifications that were made to the locomotives included
the fitting of a new train radio, train data recorder, diesel
fired cab heater, cab refurbishment, changes to front end
lighting arrangement and a full repaint in customer livery. |
| In addition to the modifications it was also necessary to
show that the locomotives would be safe to operate on the
Dutch rail network before admittance could be permitted. Demonstrating
compliance with the relevant Railned standards supported by
technical justifications, where necessary, provided this safety
assurance. A registered notified body (NOBO) was appointed
to check and verify the admission documentation. |
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| Key Features |
- To project manage and assist in the design, construction,
testing and approval of two class 58 locomotives for admission
onto the Dutch Rail Network.
- Fast track design and build were a keynote of the project,
aided by the appointment of specialist sub-consultants
from the outset. This not only ensured compliance with
the relevant standards but also ensured best industry
practice was also being followed.
- Installation & testing of ATBL train safety system.
- Significant vehicle modification work.
- Approval (certification) of locomotives to operate outside
the UK.
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| Skills Profile |
- Project management - finance, sub contractors,
customer.
- Mechanical and electrical design - functional
specifications, concept designs, detailed
designs and calculations.
- Analysis of vehicle dynamic behaviour by
computer modelling - stability and track force
assessments.
- Vehicle construction - production control,
purchasing.
- Vehicle testing.
- Technical justifications and risk assessments.
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| For more information, please contact Neil.Jackson@esg-railconsultancy.co.uk |
| Photographs and project details reproduced by kind permission
of English, Welsh and Scottish Railway. |